SOUTHEND United’s chairman is confident there will be no problems with the environmental impact of demolishing Roots Hall - and replacing it with 472 homes.

Ron Martin has addressed the concerns raised by Southend Council, and believes they won’t cause a problem.

It comes as preliminary documents from Powerhaus planning consultancy, acting for the club, revealed they are working on any environmental concerns.

The club has employed a team of technical experts to address any problems posed by the construction work.

Mr Martin said such measures were routine for such large-scale developments.

He said: “Persons who apply for planning approvals, and the club is no different, necessarily need to demonstrate that the demolition of buildings are carried out in a manner that does not adversely affect the environment, including from dust etc.

“The club is readily able to address the council’s request.”

Mr Martin also announced that detailed plans of the development will be unveiled to the public later this month.

An exhibition of plans, which include retail and parking space for more than 600 cars on the site opposite St Mary’s church, will give residents, businesses and community groups the chance to see how the scheme will affect them.

The club aims to build a new 21,000 seater stadium at Fossetts Farm, off Eastern Avenue. The proposal is still being pawed over by Southend Council planners before it will be discussed and decided upon by development control councillors.

Neither Mr Martin or Powerhaus would give an exact date for the exhibition for the scheme, but indicated it would be this month.

The development at Fossetts Farm, which has been scrutinised by planners for more than a year, will also have a mix of shops, restaurants and flats.

No formal planning application has yet to be submitted to Southend Council about replacing Southend United’s stadium with a housing estate.

The document reads: “Southend Council considers that the proposed demolition and redevelopment of Roots Hall Stadium for residential, retail and St Mary’s Church parking would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.”

The club is making plans to reduce the impact of demolition on the surrounding area along with the effects of increased traffic from the number of homes on the site.

It must also consider any impact the work will have on the historic church.